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How HeyMates got started
Introduce your Etsy shop and tell us your story. How did you begin and decide on what to sell on Etsy, and how do you create your products?
My name is Corina Wurmer, and I am the owner of the Soyara label. In 2015, I started selling my handmade products on the German platform Dawanda. I have been running my label full-time since 2016. I started with small cosmetic bags until I was asked if I could sew a school bag.
In Germany, school cones are a gift for the first day of school and have a tradition that goes back over a hundred years.
After sewing the school cone for this friend, I thought I'd just take a photo and post an offer to see what others thought of my work.
From the beginning, I had a lot of orders and then specialised in school cones.
In 2018, Dawanda went offline, which was a big shock because, like many others, I was dependent on the platform.
I already knew about Etsy, but since Germany has very strict rules for online trading, I never dared to sell there. After Dawanda ended, I opened a shop on Etsy. Since then, I have sold more than 1000 school cones on Etsy every year.
I look forward to designing and implementing new designs every year and am very happy that I am so successful with them.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
This school is online for the first time since last year. I love the colour.
I love this school cone because of the glitter mermaid and the fin at the bottom.
My third favourite is the school cone with dolphins. I like the colour combination and that it is suitable for boys and girls.
All three products are among my bestsellers. I think it depends on the colour combination chosen and the personalisation.
Getting sales on Etsy
How long did it take for you to earn your first sale and how do you currently attract customers to your Etsy shop?
Unfortunately, I don't remember exactly how long it took me to sell my first product, but I think about two weeks. Many customers have switched from Dawanda to Etsy and know what to look for.
My customers mostly come to me through search, so good tags I also have many customers who have several children and buy from me again and again. I am also often recommended.
Managing SoyaraSew
How do you manage your shop? Are you running solo or do you have any team members? What tools or services do you use to run your shop and how do you handle fulfillment?
I only use Billbee for administration; I can also create my labels for shipping there.
The future of SoyaraSew
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
With the current situation in Germany, my only goal is to survive and hope that I can continue doing my work.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
Have the courage to start something new. Don't give up; even if sales may not be so good at the beginning, just keep going.
